Do you prefer spending your free time outside exploring instead of binging the latest Netflix series? If so, we have created this list of the 20 best cities for travel nurses who love the outdoors. Whether you’re into activities involving mountains, rivers, canyons, or oceans, these are the 20 best cities for travel nurses who love the outdoors.
The 20 Best Cities For Travel Nurses Who Love The Outdoors
20. San Francisco, California. Our list starts in the most populated state. The City by the Bay is flanked by the Pacific Ocean. San Francisco is considered one of the most walkable cities in the U.S. Walk through the 1,000 acre Golden Gate Park filled with smaller parks, a zoo, a botanical garden, and even a golf course.
19. Santa Barbara, California. Santa Barbara is blessed with some of the best year-round climate. Enjoy surf sessions and mountainside adventure in this beach community. Some of the best hiking places are Cold Spring Trail and Gaviota State Park.
18. Salt Lake City, Utah. Home of the 2002 Winter Games, you will see why this is a paradise for those who love the winter outdoors. However, this is not just a place to enjoy in the winter. Salt Lake City is a fun-filled location for travel nurses who love the outdoors. Utah travel nurses rejoice in Salt Lake City, where hiking, biking, skiing, river rafting, and exploring parks and forests are on the daily agenda.
17. Aspen, Colorado. Aspen is at the heart of the Rocky Mountains. If you love the outdoors, then a travel nursing Colorado assignment is perfect for you. In the winter, you can choose between three different ski mountains: Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, and Aspen Highlands. In the warmer months, a visit to the Maroon Bells is an absolute must, as these twin summits offer one of the most breathtaking views in all of Colorado.
16. Boise, Idaho. Situated on the edge of the mountains and high desert, you can enjoy roughly 130 miles of trails in Boise. Looking for more? Boise has plenty of whitewater rivers to enjoy.
15. Seattle, Washington. Surrounded by forests, mountains and the sea, few major cities in America offer the outdoor activities that Seattle has to offer. From Olympic National Park to the Cascades, this is certainly a great city for Washington travel nurses who love the outdoors. If PNW outdoor adventure is your scene, then might consider a travel nurse job in Alaska.
14. Bend, Oregon. For the extreme outdoor activity individual, Bend would be a great location for you. Start by climbing Smith Rock. From there, you can enjoy the 300 miles of mountain biking trails.
13. San Luis Obispo, CA. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy while checking out San Luis Obispo. Hike up the Prefumo Canyon, then explore Shell Beach Ridge Trail and end hiking up Bishop Peak for amazing views. This city also offers one of the largest farmers’ markets in the western U.S.
12. Washington, D.C. DC might not be a city you think of right away when you think of cities for travel nurses who love the outdoors. But there are plenty of water activities on the Potomac River or hiking at nearby Great Falls. Then there are also all the monuments that are nice backdrops to go for a run.
11. Hilton Head, South Carolina. Hilton Head might be one of the Southeast’s most inviting coastal destinations. Enjoy trail running through live oak forests, kayaking next to dolphins, or going for sunset bike rides on the beach. For those South Carolina travel nurses who love seeking adventure, the Hilton Head offers up all sorts of irresistible adventure.
10. Flagstaff, Arizona. The Gateway to the Grand Canyon offers a lot for travel nurses who love the outdoors. Located 32 miles west of Flagstaff, this is the base camp for one of the country’s most visited national parks. For those looking for more excitement in their outdoor activities, you can explore cliff homes at the Walnut Canyon National Monument or walk along lava flows at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument.
9. Boulder, CO. Boulder offers plenty of favorite outdoor activities for all. Surrounded by distant mountain peaks, Boulder sees 300 days of sunshine each year. All of the outside activities typically start with Rocky Mountain National Park. There are also more than 300 miles of hiking and hiking trails for every skill level in Boulder.
8. Bellingham, Washington. From ski to sea to trails, Bellingham’s extensive outdoor activities for all outside fanatics. From ski, you can enjoy Mount Baker, a snow-covered volcano that sees plenty of skiers and snowboards every season. In terms of sea, the town lakes make it a perfect place for kayakers and stand-up paddle boards. Finally, there are plenty of trail networks offering year-round biking, hiking and running makes it a fun place for outside fanatics.
7. Moab, Utah. If your outdoor calling is mountain biking, then Moab is the spot for you. There are seemingly limitless bike rides in this terrain. In addition, there are some spectacular landscapes such as the Canyonlands National Park and the sandstone arches at Arches National Park.
6. Asheville, North Carolina. Asheville is surrounded by the iconic Blue Ridge Mountains. There are thousands of trail miles surrounding the mountains for the outdoor adventurer to enjoy. There is also plenty of great places to camp, mountain bike, and whitewater rafting. Asheville is certainly a fantastic destination for any outdoor enthusiast.
5. Chattanooga, Tennessee. Do you enjoy spending the outdoors playing in the water? From rowing, to standup paddle boarding to whitewater rafting, Chattanooga is a great destination for those who love watersports. For those that prefer being on two wheels to two feet, the Chattanooga Bicycle Transit System offers round-the-clock access to wheels docked at 33 stations around town.
4. Portland, Maine. If you enjoy canoeing and kayaking, Portland, Maine offers some great outdoor activities. Begin your adventure at Casco Bay, then head over to Highland Lake, and finally to Presumpscot River Reservoir. These places are within a 10-minute drive of Portland. There are also plenty of lighthouses to enjoy on the water.
3. San Diego, California. Looking for a place that offers perfect weather every day? How about somewhere where you can enjoy the beach and mountains in the same day? Then look no further than San Diego. Spend time soaking in the sun at one of the many beaches including La Jolla Shores or take a trip to the mountains of Julian while eating apple pie.
2. Jackson, Wyoming. This city offers something for everyone. A travel nursing Wyoming job is the best for those who love all things outdoors. In the winter time, the famed Jackson Hole Mountain Resort headlines a list of popular ski resorts. You can also enjoy things like dog sledding tours and snowshoeing. In the summer time you can take a quick trip to Yellowstone National Park.
1. Portland, Oregon. Our #1 city for the 20 best cities for travel nurses who love the outdoors is Portland, Oregon. Portland is certainly well-known for being an adventure paradise. From exploring the Eagle Creek Trail with spectacular views of waterfalls, to hiking the Horsetail Falls, Portland certainly has some beautiful places to explore your adventure side. Let’s not forget some of more well-known outdoor adventure places Portland has to offer such as Mount Hood & the Columbia River Gorge. Portland is no doubt a paradise for those who love the outdoors.
Hopefully this article opened your eyes for more cities to visit as a travel nurse. If you enjoyed this article of the 20 best cities for travel nurses who love the outdoors let your recruiter know.
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